Special announcement: Luke and I recently moved to Charleston, South Carolina!

Oh the delightful joys of moving and changing! I say this tongue-and-cheek because there are also the teetering emotions of the frightening side of moving.

There are a variety of emotions during a move. There is the joy of the future and the new, as well as, the anxiety of the unknown.

In this post I want to help you navigate moving to a new place.

These are insights that I have learned and am still learning from my own experience, as well as, the experiences of other people.

I will share 5 Reasons Why Moving is Valuable.

Backstory – We lived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti from August 2015 to December 2016.

During that time we learned culture, language, and worked with kids in an orphanage. Our hope was to create a sponsorship program for the children, build homes for people, create jobs, and share Jesus with people along the way.

Our “big picture” vision was to stay there long-term working to empower and encourage Haitians. We had amazing opportunities to serve through building relationships with people, hosting a girls conference, serving church friends and family as God led us, and more. We also learned a ton from the wonderful people we met while living in Haiti. There’s a lifetime’s worth of lessons, joys, and sorrows that we gained from our time in Haiti.

(Me with some of the kids from the orphanage in Port-au-Prince)

However, after Hurricane Matthew hit in the Fall, and we learned new information with the orphanage that was underhanded, we felt like God was calling us to re-evaluate and change our course.

It was incredibly difficult, but vital. We are definitely still processing and healing from much of our experiences in Haiti but continuing to learn and grow as well.

Change is a strange thing! After much prayer and discussion, we felt like we were supposed to return to the States. We always assumed that when we returned to the States we would move back to Lynchburg, VA. We have family and friends there, as well as a house that we own. After praying, it seemed like the Lord was leading us in a different direction.

Back in the Fall, Luke’s brother Andrew and his wife Megan (who have been huge supporters during our time in Haiti) shared with us about a church plant that they would be a part of in Charleston, South Carolina.

While we were still praying about next steps, we felt like the Lord was leading us there as well. So, we came back to the States in December, and spent time with family for the holiday season. Then we moved to Nashville with Luke’s brother and his wife for month. Then, finally, came to Charleston for the first time just last week.

We have most of earthly belongings in our car and have been living out of our suitcases. Yes, you heard me correctly. It’s a bit (ahem) stretching to say the least.But, we see the Lord in the midst of our journey. I’ve had highs and lows, so just know as I write, it’s comes from a place of understanding. I want you to know you are not alone.

We have been apartment hunting, living with new friends from the church, and I got a job at lovely Juice Bar called Blend. Blend specializes in smoothies, juices and cleanses that are natural. I will be sharing more about things I am learning there that will benefit your health!

We are excited about Charleston for multiple reasons! Our goals here are to grow our businesses, ministries, and family.

We look forward to more opportunities to serve people with Luke’s company One Nine Pro. He is looking for clients in need of help with their marketing, branding, websites, logo design, and publishing.

When I’m not working at Blend, I’ll be continuing to grow Radiant Purpose. I’ll continue blogging, booking speaking engagements, building my coaching business, and selling Radiant Purpose books. All of these things are to help women grow in their purpose and identity!

We’re excited for this new season; and although it has been a vulnerable and healing time for us, it has also been incredibly uplifting!

The community of new friends from City Life Church have encouraged and inspired us with their journeys of moving here. There are similar themes of steps of faith and the craziness of being in-between two places, and that’s been comforting. At times Luke and I have joked that we feel like refugees coming to America for the first time, but we are thankful for all that God is doing.

Haiti and third world countries are still in our heart! We plan to travel back part-time for projects, building partnerships with other organizations, work with local friends we have , women’s conferences and more as God leads!

So with that backstory, I wanted to share 5 Reasons Why Moving is Valuable. We’ve moved many times, and there are definitely a lot of stressors with times of change. That’s why I wanted to encourage anyone out there who may be considering moving for work, ministry or travel…

Excitement, anticipation and joy mixed with feelings of anxiety, depression, fear are all normal emotions. There can always be a “honeymoon” period then you can plummet into a sometimes frightening reality.

I want to smash the fear and encourage you that you are not alone! It takes time to adjust to new places and people. But there can be a ton of wonderful benefits when you move.

These are 5 things I have been learning and continue to learn that I hope will motivate you on this Monday!

5 Reasons Why Moving is Valuable

1. Moving is Valuable Because You Are Forced Out of Your Comfort Zone

When you move to a new place you are no longer in a place of familiarity. Imagine taking a flower that has roots in a little pot and placing it an open field. There is more potential for it to grow and become bigger but it takes effort to get it out of the smaller pot.

We all love comfort! We easily get into our routines and love the people we know. When you move to a new place you have to go new places, learn new things and meet new people.

For some of us this can be exciting and for others this can be crippling. I don’t want you to feel like you are drowning in a new place. Even though there are challenges get happy about the sensational opportunity to start fresh!

Comfort does not produce growth. When you move you have to change, whether you like it or not. When we are forced out of comfort zone we can become fearless. You begin doing things that you did not think were possible before.

Embrace the new and learn the surprising truth: being forced out of your comfort zone is good for you!

2. Moving is Valuable Because You Get to Explore a New Location

Whether you are an adventurer or not, exploration is good for the soul!

I am so excited to explore new coffee shops, parks and beaches in Charleston, South Carolina. I love going to new areas that I have never been before. It is a growing experience.

When you move to a new area there are eye-opening sights to see. You get to embrace a new culture, a new group of people and a new life. At times it can be overwhelming. But, I challenge you to be grateful for the opportunity to eat new foods, smell new aromas, and do new things.

3. Moving is Valuable Because You Get to Create New Relationships

People are the most spectacular part of God’s creation. We were made in the image of God. He has created us so uniquely. When you move to a new place you have a blissful chance to meet new people.

Now, if you are more reserved it may take you more time. But, don’t be afraid to make a new friend at your work, your church, or even at the gym.

Relationships are miraculous in that God has created us for them. I have been so thankful for the relationships that we are developing in such a short time. I definitely see it as a work of the Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ. But, I want to give you hope. New relationships are waiting for you in your new place.

Don’t worry! Have grit and get out there. Make some new friends in your new place!

4. Moving is Valuable Because You Will Grow

Remember the flower picture? Well, moving to a new place will cause you to grow. If the flower stays in the small pot it can only get so big. But, when it is in the garden it can grow larger than it would in the little pot.

Same for you in your new place. You are going to grow more than you ever would if you stayed where you previously were. God has given us a stunning gift. We can change. We can always get better. We get a new day to start fresh and become more of what He has in mind for us to be.

Moving to a new place will help you grow. What lessons are you able to learn and draw in the new place? In every season there are jewels that we can take away. I can often struggle with wanting to move on to the next season, but God is so faithful to teach us in every season.

5. Moving is Valuable Because You Become Stronger

How do we get muscles in our body? Through repeated pressure and strain. Same in life. When we move to a new place we use “muscles” in our minds, bodies, and emotions that we often did not know we had.

You will find new levels of resilience, perseverance and strength that you didn’t know existed. Lean into it and allow yourself to experience the priceless joys and trials that come from a move.

Thank you so much Shade’! We’re happy to be back and excited for what God has in store. We’d love to see you when you visit in Charleston in June! You could stay with us if you don’t already have arrangements 🙂 Thank you for your comment, reading, your prayers and encouragement! Love you too friend! God Bless!

Love this blog Semone! I can relate from just moving to Charleston myself in February 2017! But as you say, I am out of my comfort zone and now growth is bound to take place if I just move about! It was so great to have lunch together today. I am so excited to see what God has in store for each of us.
Ephesians 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Thanks for your comment Joyce! I appreciate you reading and sharing from your personal journey. I enjoyed meeting with you and am excited for what the Lord has in store! Love that verse from Ephesians ❤️ Blessings!